By Jacob Wilson-Hajdu
Movie Nights on the Waterfront will return to the Marina Park on Friday nights with their popular Family Series. In advance of the presentation of the feature-length films, which were determined by voting, the event is also be screening a series of films and documentaries made by local filmmakers.
The series starts off on August 19 with The Grandfather Drum. The short animated film, directed by Michelle Derosier, depicts a story of a grandfather who makes a healing drum to save his grandchild and their people from the influences of the government and Christianity.
“It went to Sundance and has been immensely popular for a film made in Thunder Bay,” says Shannon Bateman, Thunder Bay public art coordinator. “We actually showed it at one of the adult screenings [in May], but since the weather was so bad the turnout wasn’t as good as we hoped. So we are going to show it again.”
This event not only brings the community together, but also gives a chance for local filmmakers to showcase their work. Filmmakers had an opportunity to feature their work at one of the screenings by competing in an open call competition that is a part of Thunder Bay’s Public Art program.
One of the other films being shown is Autistic Artistic, a short documentary by Keegan Richard that explores the relationship between autism and art. It will be shown on on August 26.
The Lineup
August 19
The Incredibles
August 26
The Jungle Book
September 2
Annie (2014)
September 9
Hugo
September 16
The Pineville Heist*
Special Halloween Screening, October 29
Beetlejuice
*The Pineville Heist is rated 14+
